EDWARD. All the sweet Saints bless him!
Spare and forbear him, Harold, if he comes!
And let him pass unscathed; he loves me, Harold!
Be kindly to the Normans left among us,
Who follow'd me for love! and dear son, swear
When thou art king, to see my solemn vow
Accomplish'd.
HAROLD. Nay, dear lord, for I have sworn
Not to swear falsely twice.
EDWARD. Thou wilt not swear?
HAROLD. I cannot.
EDWARD. Then on thee remains the curse,
Harold, if thou embrace her: and on thee,
Edith, if thou abide it,--
[_The_ KING _swoons;_ EDITH _falls and kneels by the couch_.
STIGAND. He hath swoon'd!
Death?... no, as yet a breath.
HAROLD. Look up! look up!
Edith!
ALDRED. Confuse her not; she hath begun
Her life-long prayer for thee.
ALDWYTH. O noble Harold,
I would thou couldst have sworn.
HAROLD. For thine own pleasure?
ALDWYTH. No, but to please our dying king, and those
Who make thy good their own--all England, Earl.
ALDRED. _I_ would thou couldst have sworn. Our holy king
Hath given his virgin lamb to Holy Church
To save thee from the curse.
HAROLD. Alas! poor man,
_His_ promise brought it on me.
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